Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970

Great Seal of the United States (obverse)

Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 (PPPA) is a significant piece of legislation in the United States that aims to reduce the risk of poisoning in children via the ingestion of hazardous substances. Enacted on December 30, 1970, and enforced by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the PPPA requires the use of child-resistant packaging for prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, household chemicals, and other hazardous materials that could pose a poisoning threat to children under five years of age.

Background

The PPPA was enacted in response to increasing concerns about the safety of children in their own homes, where they are exposed to a variety of potentially dangerous substances. Prior to the PPPA, there were numerous cases of accidental poisonings among children, leading to serious health issues and, in some cases, fatalities. The act was designed to address this public health issue by making it more difficult for children to access and open containers of hazardous substances, thereby reducing the incidence of accidental poisonings.

Provisions

The PPPA specifies that certain household substances must be packaged in a way that is significantly difficult for children under five years old to open within a reasonable time, and not difficult for normal adults to use properly. This is achieved through the use of child-resistant packaging, which includes safety caps on medicine bottles and other secure packaging methods. The act covers a wide range of products, including, but not limited to:

• Prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Household chemicals (e.g., cleaning solutions, pesticides)
• Certain types of cosmetics
• Mouthwash containing a certain percentage of alcohol

The CPSC is responsible for implementing the PPPA, including the issuance of regulations, standards for child-resistant packaging, and enforcement actions against non-compliance.

Impact

Since its enactment, the PPPA has been credited with a significant reduction in the number of accidental poisonings among children. Studies and statistics from the CPSC and other organizations have shown a marked decrease in emergency room visits and fatalities due to accidental ingestion of hazardous substances by children. The act has also raised public awareness about the importance of poison prevention and the need for safe storage practices in homes with young children.

Controversies and Challenges

While the PPPA has been largely successful, it has also faced challenges and criticisms. Some argue that the act places an undue burden on the elderly and individuals with disabilities who may find child-resistant packaging difficult to open. There have been calls for the development of more user-friendly, yet equally secure, packaging solutions to address these concerns.

See Also

• Child safety
• United States Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Product safety